SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER & RECEIVE $25 OFF* LEARN MORE
Close
Book now
50% OFF LASER HAIR REMOVAL
Enjoy 50% off every new laser hair removal zone and reveal soft, smooth skin without compromise.
LEARN MOREGummy Smile
A gummy smile refers to a smile where more of the upper gums are visible than you might prefer. For some, this is simply part of their natural anatomy, shaped by how the lips move or how the teeth and gums are positioned. While completely normal and beautiful in its own way, it is also understandable to wish for a more balanced proportion between the lips, teeth, and gums.
This concern isn’t about changing your expression but about feeling fully at ease when you smile, laugh, or speak. When something as joyful as smiling feels like it draws attention to a feature you feel self-conscious about, it can quietly affect your confidence in everyday moments.
Gentle, non-surgical treatments can help refine the smile in a natural and subtle way. With a personalized approach focused on your comfort and individuality, it is possible to achieve a smile that feels as open and confident as you are.
What causes a gummy smile?
Hyperactive Upper Lip
In many cases, a hyperactive upper lip is the main contributor. The muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip pull it higher than usual when you smile, exposing more gum tissue than intended. This movement is perfectly harmless, but it can be softened if desired.
Excessive Gum Tissue
Sometimes, the gums cover more of the teeth than average, making the teeth appear shorter. This is known as altered passive eruption, and it can give the impression of a gummy smile even when tooth proportions are normal underneath.
Tooth and Jaw Proportions
Small teeth, whether due to genetics or wear, or a vertical maxillary excess (when the upper jaw is longer than average), can also create a gummy appearance. This is more related to bone structure and may vary significantly from person to person.
Genetics and Facial Structure
Your smile line, lip shape, and tooth-to-gum ratio are largely inherited. If other family members have a gummy smile, there’s a good chance yours is simply a natural part of your facial anatomy.
Orthodontic Changes or Aging
In some cases, orthodontic treatments or natural shifting of teeth and gums over time can subtly change how your smile appears, making the gums more prominent than before.
At Victoria Park Medispa, we offer safe and non-invasive options such as neuromodulator injections to gently relax the muscles responsible for lifting the upper lip. Our approach is always personalized and artistic, with the goal of helping you achieve a more balanced, harmonious smile that still feels completely and authentically like you.
Gummy Smile
Solutions
Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators are precisely injected into the upper lip elevator muscles to gently relax their activity and reduce excessive gum display when smiling.
Who it’s for: Individuals with a hyperactive upper lip that shows more than 2 to 3 mm of gum when smiling.
Treatment plan: A quick in-office procedure lasting about 10 minutes, usually with 2 to 4 small injections.
Results: A more balanced and harmonious smile within 3 to 7 days, with effects that last about 3 to 4 months.
Dermal Fillers
In cases where the upper lip lacks structure or support, dermal fillers can add volume and enhance lip shape, complementing the effects of Botox®.
Who it’s for: Thin or under-projected upper lips contributing to a gummy smile.
Treatment plan: Small amount of filler, often combined with Botox®.
Results: Fuller upper lip with less gum exposure, lasting 6 to 12 months.
Lip Flip
For a lip flip, neuromodulators are placed in the orbicularis oris muscle, just above the upper lip. Instead of affecting gum show when smiling, it relaxes the muscle around the lip border so the lip gently rolls outward. This creates the appearance of more lip volume without filler.
Who it’s for: Those who want the appearance of a fuller upper lip without adding volume with filler.
Treatment plan: A 5 to 10 minute procedure with 4 to 6 micro-injections along the upper lip border into the orbicularis oris muscle.
Results: A subtle outward roll of the upper lip for enhanced shape and definition within 3 to 7 days, lasting 2 to 3 months.
Not sure which treatment is right for you ?
Schedule a complimentary consultation with our experts to discuss your needs
WHY CHOOSE
VICTORIA PARK MEDISPA
-
Financing
Our partnership with Beautifi means our patients can get the treatments they deserve with low-interest, flexible monthly payments.
-
Price match policy
If you discover a better price on laser-based aesthetic services, let us know, and we’ll match that figure.*Details apply.
-
Access to the best experts
Our medical team is made up of the country’s top board-certified plastic surgeons and dermatologists. These experts are supported by a team of dedicated registered nurses who are passionate about helping you achieve your aspirations.
FAQ
Got questions about a gummy smile? We’ve got answers!
Can a gummy smile be corrected without surgery?
Yes. Targeted injections of neuromodulators can relax the muscles that lift the upper lip, reducing the amount of gum visible when smiling. The treatment is quick, non-surgical, and requires no incisions or downtime.
Will neuromodulators make my smile look unnatural?
No. When administered by a qualified professional, neuromodulators preserve your natural expression while gently lowering the upper lip. The goal is simply to reduce gum exposure without altering facial movement.
Can dermal fillers help correct a gummy smile?
In some cases, yes. Strategic injections of hyaluronic acid fillers can provide support and definition to the lips. They can complement neuromodulators or help balance the overall shape of the mouth.
Are neuromodulators a permanent solution for a gummy smile?
No. Results usually last about three to four months. Regular maintenance sessions are recommended to maintain the effect over time.
Is gummy smile treatment suitable for both women and men?
Yes. Neuromodulators are safe and effective regardless of gender. Each treatment is tailored to the individual’s facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
How is a gummy smile treated?
Most cases are corrected with precise injections of neuromodulators into the upper lip elevator muscles. In some situations, this treatment can be combined with dermal fillers, or a dental consultation may be recommended if an underlying dental cause is identified.
Can neuromodulators affect how I speak or eat?
No. The injections target only the muscles involved in smiling and do not interfere with speech or chewing. However, in the case of a lip flip, mild temporary changes such as difficulty whistling or drinking through a straw may occur, but these typically resolve as the product settles.
Can I combine gummy smile treatment with other aesthetic procedures?
Yes. This treatment integrates easily with other procedures, such as neuromodulators for the forehead or jawline, or lip fillers, to create a natural and harmonious result.
Recent
articles
Book an appointment
Book online for a free consultation on our most popular services:
- General Skin Evaluation
- Body Contouring Consultation
- Laser Hair Removal Consultation
- Medical-Grade Facial Treatment
- Forever Young BBL Treatment
- Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Not seeing your service above?
Request a consultation using our appointment form. Our concierge team will contact you promptly.
Questions? Call us at 514.488.8668.
Request a consultationLet's get in touch
Not ready to book your consultation yet? Contact us by filling in the form below or call us at 514.488.8668 to discuss your questions with a member of our Appointment Concierge Team. We look forward to helping you.
